2010 Mercedes-Benz C 1.8L Petrol · LL10 CFA

With only three years of MOT history available, this Mercedes-Benz C-Class presents a sparse but generally reassuring roadworthiness picture, the most recent test on 15 January 2024 recording a clean pass with no advisories or defects. That same outcome was repeated at the 26 January 2023 examination, suggesting a vehicle that has settled into a stable mechanical condition over the two most recent assessments. However, the December 2021 and December 2022 entries warrant attention: the car was presented and failed on both 1 December 2021 and 2 December 2022 without any specific defects being recorded against it in this dataset, while a pass was issued on 1 December 2021. This sequence strongly implies the December 2021 test was a retest following an earlier failure on the same date, and that the December 2022 failure was likewise followed by a successful retest that does not appear in the records supplied. While not necessarily a red flag, the pattern of immediate retests indicates that the vehicle has had items addressed just before or just after each annual inspection, which is worth investigating through any available service documentation. At 124,030 miles over sixteen years, this C-Class is accumulating roughly 7,750 miles annually, a figure consistent with typical mixed private and commuter use for a car of this age and class. The absence of any MOT entries prior to December 2021 is notable; either the records supplied are incomplete, or the vehicle was not presented for testing during earlier years, which can occur with vehicles first registered late in the year or those that changed keeper and testing schedule. The relatively modest annual mileage means wear on major drivetrain components should be proportionate rather than severe, though Mercedes-Benz vehicles of this era are known for suspension and electrical component sensitivity regardless of mileage, and the rubber, plastic and bush elements still degrade with age. A usage profile of this nature typically translates to longer standing periods between journeys, which can affect oil seals, gaskets and underbody corrosion resistance over time. For a prospective buyer, the clean 2024 pass is encouraging, but the December retest pattern suggests asking the seller for receipts or invoices covering any work undertaken between late 2021 and early 2022, and again around the December 2022 retest, to confirm exactly which components were replaced or rectified. On a physical inspection, pay particular attention to the front suspension arms, control arm bushes and anti-roll bar drop links, as these are common failure items on W204-generation C-Class models of this age; listen for clonking over speed humps and uneven road surfaces. Inspect the underside thoroughly for corrosion on subframe mounting points, brake pipes and the rear axle carrier, as Mercedes of this era are particularly susceptible to surface and structural rust in these areas. Check the brake discs for lipping and the calipers for signs of binding or uneven pad wear, and on the test drive feel for any steering pull, vibration through the pedal under braking, or delay in gear selection, all of which would warrant further investigation before purchase.